Join the NoogaKnox Challenge!
On World Water Day, March 22, 2022, Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon and Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly joined the NoogaKnox Challenge and pledged to improve their yards to help reduce stormwater runoff and protect water quality.
The NoogaKnox Challenge is a friendly competition between the Knoxville and Chattanooga communities encouraging residents to improve their yards for the benefit of our region’s stormwater quality and the health of our watersheds and ecosystems.
Knoxville residents will certify their yards through the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture's
Tennessee Smart Yards program. Chattanooga residents will certify their yards through the
Rain Smart Yards award program.
The community that has the most yards certified between March 22 and Sept. 21, 2022, will win the NoogaKnox Challenge!
What is a Tennessee Smart Yard?
It’s a residential yard that is in balance with the local environment for the benefit of both people and our ecosystem.
It’s a program developed by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture to help communities meet their landscaping needs while helping to conserve and protect water resources using proven horticultural practices.
It’s a yard-certification program for residents on private property. Participants first learn about ecologically sound landscaping principles, then adopt a tailored set of stewardship practices in their landscape to meet their unique needs and environmental conditions. Participants report back their actions as they certify their yards as Tennessee Smart Yards, protecting water and natural resources one yard at a time.
Why participate?
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From yards to local streams, to the Tennessee River and to the ocean, we are all connected by water.
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We all live in a watershed and have influence on waterways with our actions. All actions make a difference!
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In the long term, if enough households and businesses get certified, the Knoxville community can make our our waterways healthier and save money in stormwater remediation.
Knoxville residents, get certified!
Visit
TNYards.UTK.edu to start your get materials, learn from experts, take actions and certify your Tennessee Smart Yard.
Watch the challenge in progress
Visit
this dashboard to see which community is getting the most yards certified.
“You don't have to be an expert gardener or landscaper to get your yard certified. Knoxville residents are eager to beautify our neighborhoods and protect our natural resources. I believe we can get the most residents’ yards registered and win this friendly competition.”
-- Mayor Indya Kincannon |
“A Tennessee Smart Yard is an attractive, healthy yard that enhances your community and helps protect Tennessee's beauty and natural resources. This program offers opportunities for residents to learn about the benefits and then take action towards sustainable residential landscapes.”
-- Andrea Ludwig, Associate Professor of Ecological Engineering and Extension Specialist, Department of Biosystems Engineering & Soil Science |
“Its important to remember that all yard run-off goes into storm drains, which empty directly into our streams and rivers. Limiting the amount of water and top soil that gets washed into the storm drain can keep important nutrients in yards where they benefit plants and wildlife.”
-- City Stormwater Engineering Planning Chief Christopher Howley |
“This is a great opportunity for residents to have a positive impact on land and water quality, while working together on a friendly challenge in their communities.”
-- City of Knoxville Neighborhoods Coordinator Debbie Sharp |
